Defensive end Julius Peppers let the Carolina Panthers know he is looking for a change of scenery.
"The front office has been informed of my desire to explore opportunities with other NFL teams following the expiration of my contract next month," Peppers said in a statement released by his agent Carl Carey. "At this point in my NFL career, I am seeking new challenges that will allow me to grow, develop and reach my personal potential on the football field.

"I strongly feel that making a move at this time is in my best interest. I appreciate the entire Panthers organization and am thankful for the seven seasons I've spent with the team."

The Panthers have the option to franchise Peppers, which would mean paying him nearly $17 million next season.

"Julius is firm in his decision that he needs a change," Carey said. "He feels that he can thrive in another system. While he has been selected to four Pro Bowls and designated as an All-Pro during his career, he feels that he has yet to develop to his full potential. This is the case of a great player who seeks to become an elite one."

Ok, I KNOW he's a 4-3 guy, but as I've said before he has adjusted various times (schemes and positions) and I can tell by the reports on Espn, he would like to go to a contender. If we realease Igor he can be the missing link and than we could use the draft for beeth OR the LB position. He's obviously going to look for the green BUT he is worth it.

Please take time and think about this because, if we put Julius Peppers, Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillipos and co., can you imagine the pass rush?
Opposing quarterbacks couldn't get the ball off in time!

Again this can be our Randy Moss (except in Def.). Please Make it happen AJ. A Superbowl appearence is garunteed if this happens, mark my words! :icon_twisted:

There is no way that Peppers wants anything to do with playing end in a 3-4...end of story. He does not want to occupy blockers and hold up double teams so that others can make the play.

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You think he would give up a chance at a ring AND play on the same team as Merriman by not playing in a 3-4? It's easy to see how much of an impact Merriman has on this team by his absense this year. Our defense sucked eggs without him and I would think Peppers would be giddy at the possibility of playing on the same team with Merriman. I don't understand Pepper's statement of wanting to play for a contender. The panthers are a pretty solid team and they were expected to represent the nfc in the SB but got their asses handed to them by the redbirds. ANY team that has that many turnovers in a game will not win. It just wasn't meant to be for them this year. The man said he needs a change of scenery and there is no better place than God's country, SD. No matter where he ends up, he will be reCharged (no pun intended) to prove to himself he made the right decision to move on. I say hell yeah AJ, see what you can do. The big question is the money. Where will it come from? LT's release/trade would free up some much needed scratch.:no:

Message to LT. Please renegotiate your contract. You still have a lot to offer to the Bolts.

The four-time Pro Bowl defensive end has decided he won’t sign a long term deal with the Panthers and wants to play in a 3-4 defense. His agent, Carl Carey, said Saturday that Peppers hopes to play for another team to “reach his full potential.”

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 draft, Peppers had a career-high 14 1/2 sacks this season and becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The Panthers could place the franchise tag on Peppers that would force him to play for Carolina next season, but it would cost the team about $16.7 million in a one-year deal.